Manchester City have not tasted defeat in the Premier League since December 2023 and will aim to extend that impressive run against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Cityzens have made a strong start to 2024/25 as they seek a fifth consecutive Premier League title, knocking out Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham United without much difficulty. Erling Haaland has found the back of the net in all of these victories and has produced two hat-tricks this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side will only be boosted by the return of Rodri, who made his first appearance since Euro 2024 during the international break, but the Spanish coach will be without Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake at the weekend. The influential Phil Foden and summer signing Savinho are also doubtful, giving Brentford a very faint glimmer of hope.
With their Champions League campaign kicking off in midweek, here’s how Man City could line up at home to the Bees.
GK: Ederson – As he has been a substitute for Brazilian international players, Ederson will be fresh off Saturday. He may not be tested regularly but attacking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa arrive at the Etihad in strong form.
RB: Rico Lewis – Kyle Walker’s late return for Euro 2024 opened the door for Lewis at the start of the campaign and the youngster has been excellent in the right-back role. His performances earned him a call-up to the England senior squad in September.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender has started 2024/25 in impressive fashion, keeping John Stones out of Man City’s XI. There is no reason for him not to start on Saturday – apart from Pep’s roulette, of course.
CB: Ruben Dias – Dias did not cover himself in glory with his difficult goal against West Ham last week but he remains an important member of Man City’s backline regardless of the opposition.
LB: Josko Guardiol – Guardiol was unable to provide the same attacking intensity from left back as he did at the end of last season. Lewis moving into midfield has limited his ability to go forward.
DM: Rodri – While Man City have not missed a beat without Rodri, they will certainly welcome the Spanish enforcer back with open arms. His presence is felt most impressively in high-level games but his standards never drop.
RM: Savinho – The striker missed the 3-1 win over West Ham with a minor fitness issue but Guardiola suggested he will be fit after the international break. He is already making a spectacle of the champion.
CM: Bernardo Silva – The diminutive Portuguese maestro can play in midfield, attacking midfield or on the flanks, that’s his genius. He will likely alternate between a deeper and more advanced role against Brentford.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – Unlucky not to get a scoresheet against West Ham but De Bruyne cleaned up in his last home game. The 33-year-old scored and assisted against Ipswich and scored his international goal.
LM: Jack Grealish Two impressive displays for Lee Carsley’s England show how the dangerous Grealish is still in full flight, even if he was playing a more important role for the Three Lions. Competing with Jeremy Doku on the left side, the former Aston Villa man should get the nod on Saturday.
ST: Erling Haaland – Seven goals in his opening three Premier League games, the Golden Boot number three looks to be on his way to Norway. He will be relishing the chance to grab a third hat-trick in a row for City this weekend.
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